Hometown Tourist in Wynwood, Miami

“I think Miami is trying to have seasons,” I said sardonically, both to myself and my followers on Twitter. It was 72 degrees outside – a sign that fall had arrived- not what my more northern American friends might describe as cold but it was also overcast and windy and not at all how I picture Miami in my daydreams or what I see when I wake up almost every morning. Nonetheless, my friend was visiting from Nigeria and I was determined to show her more of MY Miami.

“More” because this isn’t her first trip, she’s hopped on the Miami train before.

With the weather still as gloomy as ever, we took an Uber to one of my favorite districts – Wynwood; a recent favorite, as it hasn’t always been somewhere you could visit, just an abandoned lot. Now I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been here, and I’m not going to start counting now because I know I’ll keep coming back.Unless I visit at night, it’s almost impossible to concentrate thanks to all the visual stimulation. Written quotes fill the sidewalks & artwork makes the walls unavoidable. I didn’t know just how much I appreciated color on buildings till I started coming here. My only challenge: keeping my camera out of my face.In addition to the street art, there’s an open-air art gallery called the Wynwood Walls which is really one man’s way of turning a run-down warehouse lot into something beautiful. I imagine it didn’t take a lot of convincing to get artists to treat the buildings like their canvas.The man’s name was Tony Goldman, and his Wynwood Walls project showcases artists from all over the world and drives more tourism to Miami’s already obviously booming market, as well as recognition for the artists.

But it’s not just wall-featured art that thrives here, there are several art galleries and shops, and Wynwood’s bars, clubs, & restaurants come highly recommended.The art here is always changing, it’s changed since the last time I visited two years ago, making room for new artists with differing styles.

Here’s a list of all the artists featured at Wynwood.

There’s an easy-going energy here – surrounding the photo lovers posing by the walls, the art enthusiasts who simply look on the work in silence, maybe deep in thought, maybe not, and the foodies looking for the next best Instagram plate – that makes me want to hang around just a little longer or promise to come back soon. If there’s one place I’d like to spend a couple weekends a month, it’s Wynwood.

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If you’re heading to Miami, Wynwood is a great place to spend the day. You can:

Visit the Wynwood Walls/Doors/Gallery: Entrance is free. I’ve visited at different times of the day and it’s never been packed, so I don’t have tips for the best time to go to avoid crowds.

Grab brunch at The Wynwood Diner

For dinner, check out Kyu Miami: The fried chicken here is inspired. Be sure to get a reservation or you might have to wait a while for a table.

Grab happy hour drinks at El Patio: & stay for the live Latin music performances. Maybe dance the rest of the night, if you’re up for that kind of thing.

As always,

Thank you for reading!

Shot by Ekama & Myself on Canon Rebel T5i.

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samefootprints, different sands